Facing soaring costs, US airlines are abandoning price-driven competition. Legacy carriers like United and Delta now prioritize "price discipline," raising fares and cutting capacity. The era of ultra-low-cost flights is over. They attract affluent flyers with premium services, subsidizing competitive basic economy fares and offering added perks. This strategy, refined after decades of industry shocks, targets financial stability. Low-cost carriers are pressured to adapt. This structural shift, while impacting bargain fares, is presented as beneficial for all US airlines' financial footing.